Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for surgery? Who is a candidate for surgery?
Click on the Find Out Now button in the Am I A Candidate box at the top of this page for an immediate evaluation. Patients qualify for the surgery based on their Body Mass Index. In general, a minimum BMI of 35 with at least 1 co-morbidity (related medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc…) qualifies you for surgery.top

What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?
The benefits of weight loss surgery are immense. It is possible to get rid of diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea as well as decrease your risks of different types of cancer along with a multitude of other health benefits. These are only a handful of the many health benefits. People also have an improvement in self-esteem, emotional well being, and overall physical fitness and health.top

When is weight loss surgery a better option than diets or other programs?
Weight loss surgery is an option when the many diets out there have failed. Nearly everyone who is morbidly obese has tried many different diets with minimal success because they are too difficult to follow on a daily basis. Medications are also used but are mostly a short term fix. Weight loss surgery is for those who are serious about long term weight loss and are willing to also modify their current lifestyle and step up to live a healthier and happier life.top

How much weight will I lose?
Most patients lose upwards of 70-85% of their excess weight within the first year and a half after surgery. The more disciplined you are, the more successful you will be. A patient who is 150lbs overweight could therefore expect to lose 105-125lbs. This is on top of improving or completely resolving diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.top

Will my weight loss be permanent?
The majority of patients achieve long term weight loss but this does require effort on the part of the patient. Permanent weight loss can not be guaranteed.top

What are the different types of surgeries?
We offer the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. We know longer advise patients to have the Gastric Band.top

How many patients have had these procedures?
Tens of thousands of these procedures have been performed across the world with success.top

How long do the surgeries take?
The surgeries take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.top

Am I still able to have surgery if I have had previous abdominal surgery?
In general, yes, because we do all surgeries laparoscopically. With just some tiny incisions, it makes it safer and easier to complete. There is no guarantee though that we can complete the surgery although this is very rare.top

Which surgery is best for me?
The surgery you choose is a personal option that you must make. There are medical reasons to recommend one procedure over another and we will thoroughly review all your options with you so you can make the right decision for you. We suggest doing your own research into the different procedures so you have an idea of which procedures will fit into your lifestyle. These procedures are all reviewed on this website and we are happy to answer any and all of your questions.top

Are the surgeries performed laparoscopically?
Yes, all procedures are performed laparoscopically. Our surgeons have over a combined 20 years of experience with nearly 15,000 procedures completed. They have trained others in their specific techniques because of their reputations and ability. Laparoscopic surgery is best for the patient because of a decrease in pain, wound infections, and recovery time. Laparoscopy is now the standard of care in bariatric surgery. If you qualify, you may be a candidate for a robotically assisted surgery, too.top

Are the procedures reversible?
The Gastric Band is a reversible procedure. Although it is not meant to be removed, it can be if desired. The stomach will generally return to its original shape once the band is removed. If it is removed, you may gain your weight back. The Gastric Sleeve on the other hand is not reversible.top

I have heard so much about robotic assisted surgeries. Do you perform these?
Dr. Lyass has now performed over 150 robotic assisted Lap Gastric Sleeves. You may qualify for a robotically assisted procedure depending on your insurance. We will be able to help you find which procedure is best for you.top

How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Just fill out our “Am I a Candidate” questionnaire at the top of this page and either contact us or give us your contact information. This will start you on your path to a New You.top

How does New You Sleeve help me with the process?
From the very beginning, we will take you step by step through the pre-op work-up, the information gathering process, insurance verification, choice of procedure, travel arrangements, and surgery itself. Afterwards, we will provide support from online support groups to the personalized touch of a one on one conversation when needed. Rest assured, we will be with you every step of the way.top

How long have you been helping people with weight loss surgery?
We have been solely providing weight loss assistance through surgery for nearly 15 years with outstanding results.top

Do you help with travel assistance?
Las Vegas is a wonderful tourist destination with many affordable travel options. As the premier bariatric tourism company with the most experienced surgeons, we stand out as your place to start your new life. We will walk you through the process to find you the most affordable travel arrangements. You also may qualify for a deeply discounted travel options depending on your specific insurance coverage. Please contact us for all of your options.top

Do I have support post-op?
Of course. It is extremely important to have multiple levels of support throughout your journey to a healthier and more active life. We have online support groups that can help by asking and answering questions, sharing common experiences, working through the changes and potential difficulties you are having, and developing new friendships in the meantime. We are there to provide you support so as to maximize your success and happiness every step of the way.top

Can you offer help if I do not speak English?
Our associates are fluent in Spanish and will provide the same excellent, professional service to both Spanish and English speaking clients.top

Why should I trust you with my weight loss surgery?
Because our surgeons are dedicated to weight loss surgery and are leaders in the field of bariatric surgery. They have performed over 15,000 procedures with incredible results and have a complication rate significantly lower than the national average. We are compassionate and understand that this journey is not easy but is exciting and we want to share that with you by holding your hand each step of the way.top

Is the information I give you secure?
Yes. This website conforms to all HIPAA compliance rules and regulations. Your personal information is encrypted during transmission and is encrypted during storage and back up. It is also only accessible by authorized personnel. Your information can also be permanently disposed of if needed. Our integrity ensures that your personal health information cannot be altered, tampered with or accessed because it is yours and yours alone.top

Is your web site HIPAA compliant?top
Our website is fully HIPAA compliant as should any site worth visiting when you are providing personal and private medical information.

Why is HIPAA compliance important?
HIPAA compliance is extremely important because it protects your personal and private medical information as securely as possible. It is the standard of care for any site dealing with your medical information. It ensures proper encryption of your data for maximum protection. Web sites that do not make the effort to be HIPAA compliant may not provide the level of protection that your personal information deserves.top

Are your surgeons board certified?
Dr. Atkinson and Dr. Lyass are both board certified and Fellows in the American College of Surgeons. Both are also members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.top

Are your surgeons experienced with these exact procedures?
Our surgeons are respected as some of the best in their field with many accolades. They perform these exact procedures many times a week with outstanding results.top

Where are the surgeries performed?
The surgeries are performed in Las Vegas, NV at either Desert Springs Hospital or our affiliated surgical center depending on your insurance benefits and coverage.top

Why would I want to travel all the way to Las Vegas to have surgery?
By traveling to the this wonderful vacation destination, you not only can enjoy the sights and sounds of Las Vegas while you are here but can have the country’s top bariatric surgeons perform your procedure. Why wouldn’t you want to come to Las Vegas instead of staying closer to home where the surgeons may have only performed a handful of cases overall or in a years’ timeframe and therefore are much less experienced?top

How long do I need to wait once I have decided to have surgery?
This may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. It is dependent on whether you decide to use your insurance or pay cash due to insurance authorization turnover. The pre-op education, blood tests, medical clearance, and pre-op workup can all be done very quickly. Most insurances require a documented diet, so any information you have regarding your previous diet history will speed up insurance authorization. We will walk you through all of the steps to make your wait as short and painless as possible.top

How can I shorten my wait to have surgery?

Maintain your diet history i.e. diets performed, weight history, diet medications taken, exercise history such as gym memberships,
Submit your blood work, pre-op clearance and related tests to us as soon as they are available
Let us help keep you engaged in the process so you are aware of your next step necessarytop

Is there a specific diet I need to do before having surgery?
We do have a specific recommendation that will help shrink the size of your liver and make surgery easier and more successful. More information will be given to you as we get closer to your surgery date.top

Do I have to stay overnight or are they done as an outpatient?
Most of our operations are done as an outpatient or 23 hour observation but circumstances may dictate a longer observation.top

How much time should I take off after surgery?
We usually recommend taking 1 week off after surgery depending on the strain of your work but this is varies from patient to patient. We highly encourage you return to normal activity as soon as possible, such as walking, to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.top

When can I start exercising after surgery?
You can start exercising 2 weeks after surgery. There is a 20lb lifting restriction for the first 2 weeks after surgery.top

How soon can I get pregnant after surgery?
We recommend waiting at least one year before getting pregnant. Due to hormonal changes after surgery, women may become more fertile and the chance of pregnancy may increase within the first year after surgery.top

Will I need plastic surgery afterwards for the excess skin and does insurance cover that surgery?
Most patients who lose 100lbs or more will have some amount of excess skin. The decision to have plastic surgery is completely personal and some insurances may cover the procedure. If you are interested in plastic surgery, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended.top

I’ve heard I can lose my hair after weight loss surgery. How much am I going to lose and will it grow back?
Hair loss is much more common after Gastric Bypass surgery but a small percentage will lose some hair after any of the weight loss surgeries. This typically occurs around the 6 month after surgery and usually stops at month 8 to 9. Most of the time it is not permanent and the hair grows back.top

Do I need vitamins for the rest of my life after surgery?
We do recommend taking a multi-vitamin after having weight loss surgery but if your lab tests show normal levels it is not mandatory. We certainly can make recommendations for vitamins if you need.top

How soon can I get off my prescription medicines after surgery?
Getting off prescription medicines all depends on the severity of your medical problems pre-op and the improvement of your problems post-op. We recommend seeing your primary care physician one month post-op for a review of your current medical status and your medications. Diabetes medication can often be dramatically reduced very quickly.top

How does the insurance process work?
First off, we will verify that you have the insurance benefit for weight loss surgery and let you know what documentation is needed. You can help in this process by maintaining contact with your insurance carrier. Once we have completed the required documentation, we will acquire the insurance authorization and schedule a surgery date. This can take anywhere from 1-6 months depending on the diet requirements of your insurance carrier.top

How much does it cost to pay cash for my surgery?
Depending on where you need to go to have your surgery performed, the cost is between $10,950 and $11,950. This will be determined based on your medical and surgical history, along with your BMI. With our contacts, we can arrange for an extremely safe, much less expensive, and professional experience. Ask us about your cash pay alternatives.top

Do you have financing options?
Yes! New You Sleeve accepts CareCredit, the healthcare credit card. Apply now.top

General Questions About Weight Loss Surgery

Questions About the Weight Loss Procedures

Questions About Our Services

Questions About The Doctors and Facilities

Before, During, and After Surgery

Questions About Costs and Insurance

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